Content:The debate on a common European identity is by no means novel. However, over the past few years the escalation of multiple crises and the consequent discussion about the future of the European Union have extended this debate to ever larger segments of society. A shared European history is a fundamental part of the European identity. Discussing it is today more important than ever. Professional and cultural exchange throughout Europe was very intense in the 20th century. It had a strong effect on urbanism in the individual countries. Therefore, the history of urbanism in Europe during the 20th century should be discussed in an international context, as a shared history. Within the lecture series, we will tackle some major issues, such as housing policies, large-scale projects and urban renewal in different geographical contexts (Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Russia) and historical periods. On the one hand, this will allow to underline similarities between case studies and to recognize the exchange of models, experts and know-how between different countries. On the other hand, by considering the single case study in a broader international context, this will make it possible to understand its peculiarities. Doing so, the lecture will take on a European perspective.

Lectures will be given both by scholars of the BUW and by invited guests. Topics and case studies will follow a chronological order. In order to receive credits and a course attendance certificate, students are required to attend lectures regularly.

The European Union is heavily investing in the renovation of its urban environment in a manner mirrored on no other continent. This is in recognition of the importance cities hold to realize broad political goals such as the Europe 2020 Strategy of a "smart, sustainable and inclusive" growth for the Union. Critical views and opposing opinions become marginalized as broad EU policies become mainstreamed and certain historical, cultural, socio-economic, environmental aspects (among others) are left out if not intentionally ignored. This makes EU funds and their use an important subject to debate, especially in sight of the newly reorganized current programming period which, at least on the surface, represents a new holistic and sustainable approach. But is this really the case? The seminar will begin with the presentation of research results and experience, including a theoretical foundation for the interpretation of said programming and analytical methods. Topics such as "territorial cohesion" and the urban dimension of EU eastern expansion will be presented and help explain the impact of Cohesion Policy on the city and state level. Students will then undertake their own research on a topic of personal interest related to the priorities and political goals of the EU. At the end of the seminar students shall be able to navigate through EU policy and positively interpret its effect on cities and be empowered to propose new and creative designs for its future use.

Global environmental change, such as climate change, will affect and impact cities worldwide. The effects on communities will however be felt most acutely among low-income economies. In that regard, much concern is given to the impact of extreme events on the housing sector in formal and informal settlements. Such impacts may be direct, in terms of damages of urban infrastructure, or indirect, in the form of outbreaks of diseases that affect vulnerable populations. Costal urban areas are particularly at risk. They account for already more than a third of the world’s total population and they are likely to house most of the world’s demographic and economic growth in the next 20 years. Extreme events have disastrous consequences across the globe resulting in financial, social and environmental losses. The world has experienced tremendous challenges to anticipate, cope with and recover from hurricanes, typhoons, flooding, droughts and earthquakes. This will make the whole issue of housing even more relevant in the future. For that reason, we argue that the question of housing in connection with growing demands and pre-conditions for adaptation to climate change needs to be considered in the framing of sustainable housing development. This course highlights the specific impacts and innovative responses towards climate adaptation in housing particularly at the intersections of formal and informal systems. It discusses how extreme events have transformed the localization, construction and maintenance of housing and particularly what are the drivers and impact of climate-related events and how have they shaped the vulnerability and responses from planning, design and policies in the housing sector. The course will couple social and ecological research perspectives as well as notion of participatory approaches and different methodologies. It will employ a modality of co-generation of knowledge using tools such as Ketso, serious games and lighting rounds.

Requirements: Good level of English - ability to discuss, read and contribute to the class in that language. Basic knowledge of sustainable concepts. Basic knowledge of mixed research methods.

Module: Urban Sociology 2LVS/ 3 CP

Prof. F. Eckardt

S Thesis writing seminar

target group: Compulsory seminar for CAUP students (AdUrb)

language: English

time/ location: Tuesdays, 09.15–10.45 am; Belvederer Allee 5,Room 007

start: 21.04.2015

registration: 1st lecture

Content

This seminar allows students to get an insight into recent research on urban subjects from a variety of disciplines and professional backgrounds. Students can present their work their own work (PhD or master thesis) and will be offered a forum for discussion for different topics relevant in urban research.

ContentThe study project aims to research and work out interrelations between the flow of goods and consumers’ behaviour of shopping with urban space, especially related to housing areas.Questions about micro-logistics and the distribution of goods within the “last mile” lead to transformations of urban space. Next to the examination of adequate locations and their markets in conjunction with a suitable architectural approach, the infrastructural and urban spatial uses and relations will be worked out in the study project. The return of light industries plays an important role in this context. The project will be accompanied and supported through one of the leading developers of logistics, the MP Holding. Next to the professorship of Architectural Management (Prof. Dr. Bernd Nentwig) the Professorship of transport system techniques (faculty of engineering) and the professorship of urban planning (Prof. Dr. Steffen de Rudder, faculty of architecture) is involved in this study project as well as Jesus Lara, currently teaching as guest lecturer at the Institute for European Urban Studies.

COMPULSORY ELECTIVES

Module: Urban Sociology 2LVS/ 3 CP

Dr. René Lenz

S Science, Social Theory and Urban Research

target group:Master EU, Master AdUrb, IPP-EU, Erasmus

language:English

time/ location:Mondays, 17.00-18.30 pm, Belvederer Allee 5,Room 007

start:21.10.2014

registration:Belvederer Allee 5, Room 003,01.04.2015 – 10.04.2015

Content"What is this thing called Science?” (Alan F. Chalmers) and how can we analyse urban processes as so

cial scientists will be discussed in this seminar. It is directed towards students who want to enhance their theoretical knowledge while reading outtakes of classical texts like “The Rules of Sociological Method” by Emile Durkheim or “The Condition of the Working Class in England” by Friedrich Engels. The objective is to discuss a variety of theoretical approaches and methods in order to carry out research for current or future projects. Doing this, the seminar aims at helping to understand the “The Logic of Scientific Discovery” (Karl Popper).

Module: Urban Sociology 2LVS/ 3 CP

Prof. Frank Eckardt

S Research in Urban Studies

target group:Master EU / AdUrb, Erasmus

language:English

time/ location: Tuesdays, 09.15–10.45 am; Marienstr. 7b, Room 103

start:21.04.2015

registration:1st Lecture

Content

This seminar allows students to get an insight into recent research on urban subjects from a variety of disciplines and professional backgrounds. Students can present their work their own work (PhD or Masters thesis) and will be offered a forum for discussion for different topics relevant in urban research.

MASTER COLLOQUIUM

Module: Masters ́ Thesis 2 LVS/ 3 CP

Dr. Sebastian Schipper / Prof. IfEU Master Colloquium EU/Ad Urb

target group: Master EU/AdUrb

language:English

time/ location: Block course

start: See notice board

registration:

Not necessary, all students accepted for the Master examination have to participate

ContentThe course is the platform for presentation and discussion of the Masters theses. The candidates will present the intermediate results of their work on their individual topics. Suggestions for further action will be made by fellow students and academics attending the colloquium. Admission for the Master examination is required for participation. Performance record (attestation) will be achieved by giving an oral presentation.